Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.
In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
A Gift Fit for the King
I had the great pleasure to attend part of the Women of Virtue conference at God's Heart Ministries last week. The ministers who brought the Word were dynamic and truly blessed us. The fellowship of all who attended was heartwarming. It was a wonderful evening.
As I listened to the messages, this passage from Esther dropped in my spirit. I was moved by something that Esther did as it related to some of the messages. She surrendered.
If you are unfamiliar with the story, please take some time and read the Book of Esther. But, I want to focus on this passage.
These young women were gathered and each had the same opportunity to become queen, based on how she pleased the king. Each had the same treatments. Each had access to the same items. When each one was called, she could choose any item to take with her as she met the king. The scripture records that the other young women chose from their own desires. Esther asked what she should take.
Esther didn't just ask anyone for help. She asked someone who had spent time in the court and in the presence of the king. She asked someone who had served the king. And she did what he said.
Dear ones, this is so like us. Jesus' sacrifice and rising has given each of us the same access to salvation. Each of us is given the same opportunities. All of the blessings of God are available to everyone who believes.
Yet, how often do we bring the Father what we want Him to have instead of what He wants?
How often do we ask God to bless our plans, but we don't ask if the plan is His?
Like the chamberlain in the court of women, the Holy Spirit abides with all of us to give us insight to the Father. But we, with our free wills, we have to ask for that guidance. We have to set aside our plans to find out what the real plan is. We have to be willing to lay aside all that 'we' think is important and to move confidently and diligently in what we are told. That complete surrender, that faithful walk is what the King responds to.
Relationship is often gained through the relationship of others. We are all born in to families, but that doesn't automatically make us close to all of our family members. Not only do we have to spend time with people, but often we relate better because of who we're close to.
Your favorite cousin is probably the child of your favorite aunt or uncle. A best friend may have introduced you to the person who became your spouse. A trusted mentor might have set up the interview that led to your dream job. A Savior gave you the Holy Spirit as a Comforter to help you know the Father.
Your relationship with Christ is essential. But if you're having a little trouble and don't seem to be growing in that relationship, it may be time to get some help. It may be time to get involved with others who can help you hone your listening skills...encourage you to ask before you act...introduce you to aspects you've never considered before...give you a place to work where you fit and not just where you're comfortable.
If you need a place to start, we have room for you at Fellowship. Just please, get somewhere. This is too important to ignore.
What are you bringing to the King? What you want Him to have, or your surrendered soul?
Peace.
Sis. Stephanie Robinson
Lifeline is the evangelistic ministry of Fellowship Church in Jonesboro, GA.
The church website is www.fcchosengeneration.com.
Feel free to share this message. For questions or to subscribe, send an email to fellowship_lifeline@yahoo.com. You can reach the church at chosen.gen@att.net.
Fellowship Church
Where Passions Become Reality
Because you are a CHOSEN GENERATION!
455 Hwy 138, Ste C
Jonesboro, GA 30238
Alton Watkins, Pastor
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